OZ ATV :: The Australian ATV Forum

[azza450]

I'm just after some opinions on steering dampers and how much difference they make to the handling of a quad.

I really don't want to spend the $800 bucks on a precision setup and was looking at a rod style damper, preferably rebuildable, maybe a JMC or PEP. How much better is the precision damper?

I would like to also get an idea of how much difference they have on different makes of bike. I know the steering on the Yamaha is a lot more twitchy than my KFX, does that mean the Yamaha would benefit more from a damper?

I seem to be the only rider in my class not using one so maybe i'm missing something.

Your input, both +ve and -ve will be most appreciated.

Aaron.

[PeteW]

Hey Aaron, read the steering damper article in ATV Action #2 that'll help explain it a bit, (also I can't be stuffed typing it all up here) Failing that give me a call and I'll tell you all about it.
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www.thumbpump.com
www.dirtcomp.com.au

[azza450]

Thanx Pete, I'll check it out.

To be honest I've never ridden a bike with one fitted so I'm pretty much a newbie on this subject.

[yfz450]

a damper will help regardless of the bike, but like you said some more than others

its hard to explain to someone what a damper can do untill they ride with one, it is a definate improvement

im not comfortable riding without one now

the rod types work ok but obviously the precision is the ultimate but its not in everyones price range.

you definataly want a rebuildable type if your going for a rod type, im not sure if the jmc or the cheaper ones are rebuildable

if you dont mind a challenge and arent afraid to make same brackets and so forth, then look around for a 2nd hand ohlins or WP from the road bike guys, these are easily rebuilt an adjusted internally, they will work alot better than the cheaper imports

i had an ohlins before the precision and was happy with it, and ive fitted a WP to a blaster and a YFZ with great results

[PeteW]

yfz450 wrote:

im not comfortable riding without one now

I'm with ya there Adam, I hate riding without one now.
_________________


www.thumbpump.com
www.dirtcomp.com.au

[tzkev]

I have the latest JMC type you can have for $200

[greenhuman]

In my opinion, parts of that test were flawed. This is how I understand it happened. Mysterious testers who remain unnamed giving opinions on my damper, well at least I think it was my damper. Apparently an ex-race unit of unknown age was used on the first day and various people gave their input based on this ex-race damper's performance. Was the pin and bush (not heim joints) attachment points worn out? Was it even an NHK damper? Who knows, I don't. Then the next day, my damper was put on a quad and given a few laps by a single tester. This apparently happened after the other dampers had gone home the day before. I have been told by the editor, the opinions of all the testers were taken on board to get the final results. So why take on board opinions on a damper of unknown condition and used for who knows how many race seasons. Why bother putting the new damper on at all when the rest of the testers could not try it ?
Browse some U.S forums to get some opinions on these dampers.

[yogie]

tzkev wrote:

I have the latest JMC type you can have for $200

If it will fit on my KFX700, I'll give you a $110 postage included...
let me know, and if your insulted by the price, be gentle on me, I'm a gentle soul and I'd hate to other wise pm me your bank details and I pay you. And I know how much john sells them for, but I want a bargain okay...
_________________
2005 KFX700
With a few bells and whistles
and the twin yoshi's
American Star A-arms, tie rods
elka stickers
Shorty Shifter
I have a Waco
rossco gave me a flexx sticker
honda thumb
Great at climbing trees
durablue stickers

[Mumbo Jumbo]

greenhuman wrote:

In my opinion, parts of that test were flawed. This is how I understand it happened. Mysterious testers who remain unnamed giving opinions on my damper, well at least I think it was my damper. Apparently an ex-race unit of unknown age was used on the first day and various people gave their input based on this ex-race damper's performance. Was the pin and bush (not heim joints) attachment points worn out? Was it even an NHK damper? Who knows, I don't. Then the next day, my damper was put on a quad and given a few laps by a single tester. This apparently happened after the other dampers had gone home the day before. I have been told by the editor, the opinions of all the testers were taken on board to get the final results. So why take on board opinions on a damper of unknown condition and used for who knows how many race seasons. Why bother putting the new damper on at all when the rest of the testers could not try it ? Browse some U.S forums to get some opinions on these dampers.

Can someone please give John a tissue????

[greenhuman]

Make it two.

[azza450]

Settle down boys, didn't mean to create a s*#t storm.

Don't worry John, I'll do my research first.

A steering damper isn't at the top of my priority list at the moment, just wanted to get some opinions.

[PeteW]

greenhuman wrote:

In my opinion, parts of that test were flawed. This is how I understand it happened. Mysterious testers who remain unnamed giving opinions on my damper, well at least I think it was my damper. Apparently an ex-race unit of unknown age was used on the first day and various people gave their input based on this ex-race damper's performance. Was the pin and bush (not heim joints) attachment points worn out? Was it even an NHK damper? Who knows, I don't. Then the next day, my damper was put on a quad and given a few laps by a single tester. This apparently happened after the other dampers had gone home the day before. I have been told by the editor, the opinions of all the testers were taken on board to get the final results. So why take on board opinions on a damper of unknown condition and used for who knows how many race seasons. Why bother putting the new damper on at all when the rest of the testers could not try it ? Browse some U.S forums to get some opinions on these dampers.

where did you dream all this up john? Your damper was given a whole day because it was late. There was never another damper used in place of yours for the main test.
_________________


www.thumbpump.com
www.dirtcomp.com.au

[yogie]

didnt this happen at another web site, cant we all play nice...
_________________
2005 KFX700
With a few bells and whistles
and the twin yoshi's
American Star A-arms, tie rods
elka stickers
Shorty Shifter
I have a Waco
rossco gave me a flexx sticker
honda thumb
Great at climbing trees
durablue stickers

[tzkev]

Yogie, @ $200 you are getting a bargain, the damper is almost new.

[gatesy]

In my opinion, if i was looking for a steering damper I would try the JMC one. It is a preety good price, but since I never have used one it is based on opinion only. Plus I have had trouble before ordering parts over net and phone (not turned up) and the only time I have ordered from JMC the parts turned up 2 days later, fantastic service. I would trust there products. But as I said I have no exp with steering dampers.
_________________
Glenn

04 Banshee #11 --SOLD
Now got TTR250
and 06 TTR50E for my little girl
Anyone want to give me a quad? lol

Last edited by gatesy on Thu May 11, 2006 4:20 pm; edited 1 time in total